We lived 3+ hours from my grandparents in Massachusetts. My father would OFTEN say, "Do you want to go to Mass or to Massachusetts today?" on Sundays...guess which one we children chose?!
I'd like to add - if I were to come to the country side in England - I would most definitely come JUST to visit Maperton BECAUSE of your TH-cam channel. You were a lifeline of sanity during Covid and I will be eternally grateful.
Us, too! We visited London, Bath, and Wales over 20 years ago, and always wanted to return, but not sure about a city visit with all the unrest. Leaning more toward peaceful countryside visit with Highclere and Mapperton visits!
Wow, Julie. You nailed it when you pointed out that the association makes sure that in all the shifting back and forth between Tory and Labor governments, the preservation and production efforts are sustained. As an American, this function is one of the top reasons we see the value of the positions of aristocrats and nobles across the sea. Sure, we dispensed with monarchy for various reasons, but in ours there are still the wealthy and elite that influence for better for others or worse, or solely for self. Thanks for being a great example of for-the-better.
I live in kansas, and we drive a 90 tp 100 miles to shop and have the best surgeons, but it's worth it !!!!! And we also have fun and have great memories!!!! Love your videos just started watching love the history glad your sharing!!!we bought our land in 1983 mowed yards are whole family to pay for it monthly and then built on it. Tornado wiped us out EF5 destroyed whole town people died we lost everything our pets we had no money no place to stay but we survived. And built back in 2008 and we call our home IRIS ROSE HILL its our piece of heaven we made gardens we planted everything our selves been on same piece land fir over 30 years all of this will be inhearted down from genetation to generation. We are proud.!!! I love your passion and how you honor your beautiful home and the history of your family thats how i feel about mine!! Sounds amazing to tour it. Have a great fun sunshine day!!!!!
What about: 1. Hosting a classic car show 2. Pop up restaurant weekends. 3. A space at The Chelsea Flower Show. 4. Outdoor movie/picnic nights. 5. Outdoor music/picnic nights. 6. Outdoor food truck/stall festivals. 7. Landscape Painting weekends. 8. Falconing event.
Car show... and maybe a dog show or a horse show with classic historic horses (draft horses. traveler vanners , thoroughbreds, native ponies, cart horses..... What could be more delightful than trekking around Mapperton back roads for a a pony cart. picnic.
You should have a monthly costume themed venue. What fun!!! Charge so much for entry. Give away a prize for best costume. You could have some local musical entertainment for dancing. You would make lots of profit on food and drinks.
Would love to hear from your children on how they view living at Mapperton, your projects, and the possibility of inheriting and carrying on the work you have started.
@@bryanspindle4455 Probably because William is at school. We also don't know if it's about willingness to be filmed. William might be an introvert or might not want to be on his parent's channel.
AGREED. From Australia. How are the children involved please. Have you thought of "advertising" on a tourist site(s ) in my country.? We love England and like Americans will drive for a long time, plus our roads are not straight highways! Cheers.
Vermont, USA I drive 2 hrs to get to my parents house on back country roads with farmers and tractors blocking the road. My son traveled 3 hrs to get to NASCAR races in highway and back roads. So yes the people in the USA will travel long distances in a day for an event
I like how you two communicate! It's wonderful to see a couple discuss their ideas for the present and the future of their home. You engage in these talks calmly, with humor and bounce ideas off each other. It's wonderful to watch! 💕
Luke is so smart. He said in places like this you have to think 50 to 100 years ahead. Julie is brilliant because she is authentically listening to her husband and finds him fascinating. He is but she really does it so smoothly . Cheers and excited about these fireside chats
Hello, Julie and Luke. What about a Murder Mystery Weekend (or midweek)? You know, like those murder mystery dinners, but longer? Think of all the fans of murder mystery books where old country houses feature prominently as setting. You’ve got the perfect setting right there. It could be done well, you wouldn’t want anything too tacky. OTOH, perhaps the entire concept is tacky! Glastonbury festival? Might be a bit of a nightmare though.
My thought as well and with the right team, it could be very cultured plus challenging and fun guessing 'who did it?, ' not to mention a source of viable income. 😊
What about also focusing on companies which often look for special seminar locations, where the participants can get away from the daily stress of the business environment. Perhaps, you can work around a similar package to the one used for your "5-night retreat" - it would be for a day or two, with tours, walks etc., and can be adjusted to their requirements. I personally feel that Mapperton would be a perfect location for "stressed-out" managers - (away from the maddening crowd!)
Julie and Luke, you may need to study The Biltmore House in Asheville, NC. They have the estate with tour, they have a wine tour, taste test, shop etc., they have hotel accommodations, land activities, then they built a regular style hotel on the premises for other vacationers, etc. It make spark some ideas for the future. I think you should pursue working gardens with healthy eating fruit/veggies to help save humanity! Also, creating gorgeous flower / small tree, topiary gardens could create garden club tours, create a shop with lovely crocks, planters, floral bouquets. Artists could come create pictures/ paintings, artwork and sell the items. I would also partner with buses/ drivers to bring elderly out to your area. People forget about helping seniors. The other thing is you need to make things more affordable for more people to be able to enjoy Mapperton and the surrounding towns.
Biltmore is different though, being in Asheville and other parts of WNC. We love Biltmore and do take day trips periodically but I don't know that it's exactly an equal comparison.
My friends had a large home that was a wedding venue and I would never do it. Wedding guests went past "Private" signs to go raid their personal kitchen and pantry (there was a commercial kitchen in the guest part of the house) taking food and ice cream out of the freezer, stealing vintage collectibles and knickknacks!!, driving away with cutlery, dishes and even children's toys from the lawn-- tricycles, etc.!! Guests drank and damaged things, didn't want to leave on schedule and the family got complaints from the nearby town about loud music and fireworks during the receptions.
Here’s an idea for another use for your property: If you could get your estate to be used as a film or television show location, you’d get a big draw in just fans wanting to see it. You’re welcome 😊
Luke, you crack me up - I live in the western part of Texas (Permian Basin) - 5 hours from any major city in the state and yes, I drive hours to go somewhere for a day trip.
It takes 2 days to get across Texas because you have to sleep sometime so I've gone as far as I could and stayed at the next motel along the way when I stop for dinner. You can get out of Texas on the second day.
The truth about Texas and much of the West is that distances are measured in hours on the road. Here in the Rio Grande Valley it is about four hours to San Antonio, which everybody thinks of as a day trip. This is a cultural norm. So sorry it isn't applicable in Britain, where neither the roads, the localized culture, nor the fuel costs actually support it. Nobody needs a multilane highway through Stonehenge, for example, whatever ambitious planners may feel. Britain may be just too small for the expansive Texan sense of going places. In Britain you have expanses of time. You can hardly spade up the back garden without turning up the archeology. What archeology have you got besides the fossil-rich Jurassic coast? A multiday local archeology tour might be worth doing. You'd need a consulting expert or two to lead the party. Jobs for archeologists and historians who would like to organize there. Best if you have a site you'd like to dig.
You have many great ideas. I agree tapping into the cruise industry. Contact them. It’s worth a try. A 1.5 hr from South Hampton is the same time to get to Rome or Florence from a cruise ship. The excursion can include lunch, tour, garden, the Alberta exhibition, gift shop, etc. Not everyone needs to go zip lining…right. You may have done or considered some of these but what about a Christmas Fair inviting craftspeople in yr area, summer concert with fireworks? Don’t stop the weddings, but the weddings parties can be blocked out for 4 days instead. Camping sites would be worth a try including yurts, cabins & tenting. I think u may have tenting already. You also mentioned that Alberta left a cookbook. You can publish her recipes or offer cooking class retreats using Alberta’s recipes. It would be a wonderful experience for all. You can block out the cottages and maybe a room or two in yr home for the cooking retreat. Also, offering afternoon tea in yr dining room or a smaller room a few times a week or even a ‘Sunset & Champagne’ outside once or twice a week during the early summer might be nice overlooking yr gardens. Even Prince Charles is opening up Balmoral Castle at $100-$150 a pop. Looking forward to seeing what u choose in the future.
You should find businesses along the way on your route. Then get out day trip pamphlets. So Antique stores, various other destinations along the way and farmer's markets etc. Many places do that in America to create day trips.
Yes, get Luke's parents' stories, also his aunt. Their chats about the history of the family and their lives and homes and historic art are incredibly interesting. You could get them individually to have more interviews with each perspective.
Part of the probem is holiday makers,say in the 1950s, the majority would be camping rather than expecting to rent a whole building. People's expectations have changed,but we all could benefit from being within nature. Glamping pods are a good compromise.
Thank you Julie and Luke for sharing your vision for Mapperton. I am in awe of the creativity and energy you are investing in maintaining the estate. It is so very beautiful and deserves it. Wishing you every success in all your endeavors.
I am American living in the UK and it is SHOCKING how many beautiful old houses are left to waste. I often tell Brits if they let Americans live here freely we would restore everything. 😊
@@xymoxkatits sadly the same in france so many chateaus falling apart that us Brits are buying to renovate and its not always easy to restore listed buildings sadly
Let others do the weddings. You have so much more to offer. My father used to tell us not to build a big "white man camp fire" where you are hot on one side and cold on the other. Build an Indian fire, small, that warms the air all around you. AND I'd drive several hours to Mapperton.
Hi Luke and Julie I had another thought. Again using coach bus for people more than an hour drive from Mapperton. Near my family home in Pennsylvania, we are at least an hour plus drive from Pittsburgh Pa. There is a Theater group putting on plays through the summer and early fall. A large barn was used for seating and stage and a restaurant near the playhouse offered food. They had two shows per day; day and early evening. The Playhouse has been in existence for over 100 years now and the little town it exists is extremely small. It’s all accomplished by tourism from Pittsburgh day tour industry. Another option since you have outer building and no one would come to the Manor inside unless you provided a separate tour. $$$
Fireside Chats! Love it!!! Don't forget the tea the next time Luke and Julie, LOL! 🫖☕☕🍪🍪 I would love to see your four children host a fireside chat and talk about what it is like to live at Mapperton House?
Yes. Don't invade privacy. But if the children are interested in training in the family business, production and public speaking would be excellent life experiences.
@@sallyannc3176 Chill out!!! Some people!!! I have the utmost respect for everyone. It is not about their children for my entertainment!!! It is a question that can be answered yes or no. You can't ask questions now days? Wow!!!
Pllleeeease Luke. Julie is right. As a lifelong West Coast American, I’m planning a day trip to the ocean that’s a 2 hour drive each way. The drive is part of the fun of the trip. Tapping into cruise passengers is a great idea-they’re already on vacation and will consider any travel as part of the experience.
You don’t want to VRBO your precious house, especially to people with children. My sister with a lake house in Georgia has it on Air b&b and a family destroyed a new washing machine, kid urinated on the front porch and somehow someone damaged the pool. Unless you have an onsite housekeeper/ butler, don’t let random people in your precious home.
@@maryfrump7937 I remember when driving from Austin to San Antonio was a nice trip. But NOW? Nope. Used to take less than hour. Now it takes more. And that was just driving from south Austin to North SA.
Julie is correct, we love an adventure and will drive hours for a day trip. Y’all need a Day Trip Special, maybe include the train ticket and have a Mapperton snack or tea box for the ride home. Yoga day trippers. Mom groups who kids love to ride the train… lunch, play all day, grab your tea box and back on the train.
What about putting your house in London on Airbnb if you spend most of your time at Mapperton? Fascinating video, learning about the issues behind the scenes. You're both doing a great job regardless of all these challenges!
Have you guys thought about corporate or team retreats? Many companies like to do these as a team building activity. Many also like to take their teams away from the big cities they are located to calmer locations. You can also be a bachelorette party destination if weddings can’t be done right now. You can set rules to make sure they are not crazy parties. Same thing with baby showers.
Reach out to television networks that use wedding venues for their shows or how about hosting antique road show? Reach out to the movie industry and let them know your available for movies or shows as they do with the show Bridgeton. My god they pay gobs of money enough to help cover your renovation costs and probably a lot of bills
Love being given so much insight into running Mapperton! Also always entertaining to watch you and Luke together! Luke’s parents are great to watch also with so much historical information!
Serve barbeque pork, beef, chicken & turkey slow cooked over hickory wood or fruit wood. Don't forget french fries, vinegar Cole Slaw, bread, Sweet Iced Tea & dessert. People will drive 3 hours one way in the States for good BBQ.
Another thought!! Do you offer any evening classes with guest speakers say every month on topics relevant to Mapperton and history, gardens etc general restoration. How about ‘star gazing’ as with no light pollution I imagine the night skies are something else😊
Love all your ideas! A friendly suggestion is to provide a pony cart or safari jeep for people who are physically challenged, elderly, or like me when I broke my foot, who would enjoy seeing the estate areas but might find walking too difficult. 😊
Glamping farmstays using yurt/tents/pods aimed at families. Limited self pitch. It’s what is on offer to keep people entertained. Once you have a good revenue stream from this use it to redevelop older buildings.
Since you are only an hour and half from Southampton, I believe there would be a lot of interest pre and/or post cruise for stays at Mapperton. We sailed out of Southampton last August & would have loved to have visited.
I've been watching this podcast for the second day now. It is interesting but at the same time, it is so hard to watch. I really think that you are strongly overthinking it, guys. Honestly. Not to diminish the complexity of the whole thing in any way - but your thought really goes back and forth without an outlet. I really think it is important to choose an option and go for it, and see from there. Love your channel, wish you success.
I'm in New Zealand and have just booked a family holiday at a popular destination for next Summer. The Beach Camp ground has a policy of minimum of 5 nights for a studio, cabin or motel unit during peak season. Tent campers can book any amount of days on a first come first served basis.
Julie and Luke, have you ever thought of creating a space for a museum that everyone can come to see? You han charge an entrance fee. You can also have workshops for sewing, knitting, embridery lacemaking, etc. I would suggest a textile museum. There are so many reenactors of all the centuries who would love to see clothing especially the 18th century dresses. You can also host events for 18th century (1700s), Victorian, Roman, 1920s, Viking, Mideval reenactors. This would attract a lot of people. Other ideas are antique, vintage, book, jewelery, craft fairs. On Holloween you can also host a big event, do an egg hunt for family and kids on easter, etc.
My father worked for a big museum that was a castle. There were a lot of paintings and other artefacts and sometimes something got stolen. He invented the signal orange dot with a diameter of 5 cm and it was painted on the wall behind every painting, especially the small ones. When something went missing the supposts could immediately see that and call the police. It really worked! Maybe a tip for Mapperton with all its treasures. I wouldn't open the house for weddings. I'd rather go for guests that want to rent a holidaycottage.
When we want rewilding, it has never stopped on our 110 acre farm. We have deer, wild turkey, quail, rabbits, squirrels, beaver, and fish in our big creek.
What about the “Earl of Sandwich Tea Shoppe”. You could have an actual tea shop on your grounds in concert with the gardens. You could have a menu of tea sandwiches and cakes. Then sell the merch associated with the name on an endless number of products and wearable items. You could also have an online store which you could promote on your social media channels. Always think about your most obvious asset and in this case, it’s your title!
Biltmore Estates here in the US, is a fabulous example of diversification! Winery, fishing trips, concerts, licensing of furniture, etc, bedding, textiles, and even food items! those items are sold all over the US, taking the name to the public to pique their interest! Schools coming to visit like the Royal Embroidery group could hopefully bring in cash and marketing! ! I am grateful to have been a student at The Prince of Wales's Institute of Architecture which began at Biltmore! I adore watching your series and your thoughtful progression! You are doing GREAT!
If you can grow sunflowers and can plant a field of them, people will come just to have their pictures taken amongst them. That seems to be all the rage to have family portraits taken in sunflower fields. It would be good for wedding backdrops as well.
Julie and Luke: Look up the work Old Westbury Gardens is doing-they have something called ‘Nanny Night’ at Christmas time. Lots of families look forward to this event. It is so enjoyable but also a huge fundraiser. It takes place at the Phipps Estate in Westbury NY.
🚩 SUGGESTION: Get people who are training in such things as Carpentry, Stone Masonry, Horticulture and so on, with their Tutors, Training Schools/College, Authority and so on, to train as part of their Course by doing the Work, Maintenance and so on, that you need done for free. Hold their Certificate Presentations at Maperton, with a Press attended Celebration. Also, grow your own kitchen supply and consider a Restraunt/Tea Rooms & use your Little Italian House & the Cottages and Glamping as Honeymoon Destinations. Another thing, because of the Re wilding, how about an Annual "Pet Show & Family Fun Day" You will need a Conference Room...concentrate on the Public & Weddings on weekends & Corporate Events & Tours during the week & most of all concentrate on ACCOMMODATION! ❤
The ocean is about two hours from where I live and the Coast Mountain Range is part of the drive. There’s also a once daily roundtrip bus service that services my area and that coastal area. Folks will book a hotel and take the bus back later in the week, or, just go for a day. We drove and the roadtrip - being on the road - was part of the fun. Because it was winter and days were short we stayed long enough to eat lunch and explore the beach. Next time the bus as a change of pace, or perhaps going with a private group organized trip. I’m a senior. People go to places that cater to their interests, hobbies and offer fun and enrichment for their kiddos. They return because they feel at home. The place is comfortable, warm, welcoming. Mapperton has that beautiful garden and there are a lot of avid gardeners in your area. What of a plant exchange? Bring a start and trade. Have a plant sale along with gardening tools on offer. Offer tips and tricks to enhance green spaces. Picnic in the park and listen to a string quartet, or jazz for example. Picnic hampers are available, or people can bring their own and buy from the cafe as needed. A book fair with readings given by local authors along with the book sale. A day or weekend where Mapperton employees dress in period costume highlighting a particular historical period. Guests are welcome to dress up as well. Option for a special tea service. Reserve ahead. Is it easy to bike to Mapperton? There are athletic sorts who are always looking for places to bike and hike/walk. A small hostel on site could host them - some like roughing it - after walking the estate they eat at the cafe. Chips. Beer. Darts, pool, ping pong and a tv to catch a game. During our long summer vacation parents are often looking for day camps for their children. Would you be open to having teachers on site to offer fun classes to kids during school breaks? I won’t mention the fireworks and hot air balloon ideas😄 Just brainstorming. Good luck!
Atlanta, GA here, and it is NOTHING for most of everyone I know to drive for two or even three hours each way for a day trip. I myself have done it multiple times. We Americans sure do love our Automobiles! Hopefully one day my husband and I will be able to visit you all at Mapperton! Thank you for the excellent, informative and entertaining shows you produce. Best wishes from the States!
I live in Australia, Sydney. We drive 12 hours for our children to attend a competition that goes over 3 days. Then pack up the last morning of the competition and drive the 12 hours home. I live 2 days drive from my from my family/childhood home. I drive 10 hours south to see my sister in Melbourne. To visit my Aunt in Wollongong I drive 1 1/2 hours, eat lunch, visit the beach and then drive home for dinner at night. Yes it’s a big day, but not impossible. For big day trips, we break up the day and make the drive a part of the holiday.
Focus on attracting more Americans like Grand Historic Tours. Do more featuring American Heiress history like an American Heiress weekend theme party. We Americans are willing to travel longer and Julie is a fabulous promoter . Maybe make connections with American Historic Homes and Museums.
I think with Julie doing the old houses program should be giving you both a lot of ideas & insights into what other families are doing as to how you can diversify Mapperton. The firesite chats are going to be a good way for all of us to know what you are planning as well as doing & so keep us in the loop & excited to help you as much as we can. I am thinking that advertising is a great way to go, maybe making a video that you can release onto youtube & other sites just promoting Mapperton with all the adventures it provides & encouraging people to book in & spend a week exploring it all.
Our public library here in Kentucky has annual “How to Festivals.” it’s a free event, and people can sign up to present a workshop on anything from gardening, to conservation, to quilting and anything community members are approved to teach. It’s always a popular event for all ages.
Luke & Julie - I love this format plus it's productive for you guys! I have an idea to elaborate on the bus tours: Call it The Art of Antiques - bring in an antiques/historical expert to "hold" the tour, and explain the antiques throughout the house, their history, the different types of antiques, how to spot real ones versus fakes, etc. People LOVE to learn about antiques!!! There's that added expense of the expert, but it may be a trade-off for not having a meal to serve, and increasing the busloads!! (p.s. to Julie - no need to fight your natural development of the accent lol, I hear it sneaking into your vowels!)
People need to respect your home. I could never temporarily let random strangers stay in my house. You need a massive group to brainstorm with you, the group need to understand your family needs too. ❤
A Renaissance Fair, and you could change up eras, Murder Mystery Events. I would love to see the villages or towns around Mapperton ... maybe by highlighting those, it would bring more people to the area, not just Mapperton.
I am enjoying this conversation. I drive over 2 hours to go to the Mennonite grocery store. My Trader Joe’s is over an hour away. It’s nothing in the US to drive a couple of hours. I love the events in the communities around us. We have wine walks. You buy a wine glass for $25 and walk around and taste wines. If you like the wine, you can buy a bottle. We have art fairs, bicycle races, marathons, a Father’s Day bike ride with the kids, a jazz festival, blues festival, antique fairs. There is something to do every weekend from the beginning of May through the end of October.
I love watching you Julie interact with Luke so casually. Both of you make me laugh especially when he makes witty comments specially when you both are trying out your recipes. His typical English wit amuses me and when you both talk over each other just tells me how comfortable you are in each others company. Julie you are such a treat. When i watched you both making your toasted sandwiches on the agar, I truly had a giggle the way you both " competed" to make the best toasty. By the way the hundreds and thousands Luke was referring to when you made the Charles Ii brown cake are what you as an American girl would call those coloured sprinkles you put on your cakes. The terminology really does differ since my daughter also did American English at school here in South Africa which i still think today laid a much better foundation than Oxford English. She is an English teacher today all because of the right foundation laid from the start and loves the language greatly.
I think you should think about starting an historical cooking school. Have a culinary instructor teach Elizabethan cooking and from other eras. "A Taste of History." BTW,: Here in the States, driving 2 hours to a destination is considered close. Sorry, Luke.
Other ideas: Writers ' retreats, historical lectures, historical reenactment fairs, chamber music concerts, sing-along carol concerts, cooking/winetasting classes, nature photography lessons combined with hiking or cycling, installation of huts for birdwatching (if you have a good variety of birds), open air theatre productions in the summer. I don't know if you already do some of these, I just found your channel 🙂
2 hours is for sure a day trip with the family. Growing up in Oregon if we weren’t up for a two hour drive we would never have seen anything but trees!
I think your location would be great for birding groups. Generally speaking a very respectful group, low maintenance. Smaller groups that usually happily pay to be in a beautiful countryside setting to enjoy birdwatching. Cheers
I grew up in California, USA and live in Arizona now and think nothing of driving 2 or more hours to go somewhere fantastic.I love all the locations you've already created. I also love all your great ideas and plans. The cruise ship excursions are a great idea. You have so many plates spinning. Very impressive.
Since Mapperton is “off the beaten path” for British culture day trips, you’ll have more success with destination events that support a 3-4 day stay. (I love the “Frock Me” idea). Your Christmas show is an excellent start, expanding the number of days offered & accommodations would increase attendance & revenue. Perhaps working with an artist to do a creative retreat/workshop or a writing retreat. While they are there, you make money from their lodging, food, & any Mapperton merchandise you sell at the cafe or gift shop. I can understand that Mapperton’s size does not allow you to continue living in the house while guests are there, so you’ll need to focus on growing the outdoor glamping or tiny houses over time. You are probably familiar with Elmore Court in Gloucestershire, who has a rewilding project and now offers 6 “treehouse” cabins to cater to those who are wanting to “get back to nature”. I know you are wanting to restore the outbuildings…. if you are allowed, that would make fantastic guest lodgings/rooms & generate revenue without upsetting the village composition. I really liked the informality of today’s format & the brainstorming you were doing together. Explaining the challenges in detail helps viewers better understand the money demands. I love it that you are so open to ideas. Good work, the both of you!
Hello Julie and Luke ! I enjoyed this new format and found the topics very interesting. I would say it is certainly not a good idea to give up your beautiful home to be taken over by weddings. Sometimes far too much alcohol is consumed and damage is a real possibility. So far you have done a wonderful job running the estate and business. I agree the development of holiday rentals is excellent. The cottages so far are absolutely lovely. I believe that would be the route to extend if possible. You are both so multi talented and manage your business so well. I think reaching out as you do is not only hard work but extremely interesting. Your energy levels are staggering… England and Italy. I shall consider further. These new broadcasts are very interesting and show further how difficult it is to manage an estate such as Mapperton. All best, Michael.
Here is what I think: give the wedding parties a tent or the cafe area and keep them out of the grand house. You might think about opening the stables up to groups of people riding horses that want to go on a trail around the estate and stop off at the cafe. I think you should offer an experience for small group parties to dress in costumes (that are period costumes at a profitable price) and experience what it was like to live in a set time in the past. Just a suggestion if they don't work don't hold it against me. Your doing a great job. I love watching this process. We love you both and wish you the best.
A 3 hour drive, each way, for a day trip was nothing to our large family growing up. Mom and Dad would pile all of us into the old Stationwagon from a small town just South of Chicago to South Haven, Michigan. Coolers packed with a meal and drinks for the day spent at the Beach. Technically a 6 hour drive total for the day. Piece of cake!!
There are light-weight forms one can use to build dome-like structures, sort of Hobbit houses that can be out of sight. Relatively easy housing for writing retreats, meditative week/ends, Victorian living over a week/end are just a few ideas. You need a hotel on site!
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Julie is correct - 2+ hours is an easy day trip in the states
We lived 3+ hours from my grandparents in Massachusetts. My father would OFTEN say, "Do you want to go to Mass or to Massachusetts today?" on Sundays...guess which one we children chose?!
Lmao that’s a daily run around
It takes about 4-6 hours of driving from Austin to reach any of Texas' border with another state (or country).And that's if the traffic's good.
Easy day
Totally agree 2 -3 hours is totally normal day out.
I'd like to add - if I were to come to the country side in England - I would most definitely come JUST to visit Maperton BECAUSE of your TH-cam channel. You were a lifeline of sanity during Covid and I will be eternally grateful.
Same here!
Us, too! We visited London, Bath, and Wales over 20 years ago, and always wanted to return, but not sure about a city visit with all the unrest. Leaning more toward peaceful countryside visit with Highclere and Mapperton visits!
Wow! He helped create the historic houses movement. So thankful!
Wow, Julie. You nailed it when you pointed out that the association makes sure that in all the shifting back and forth between Tory and Labor governments, the preservation and production efforts are sustained. As an American, this function is one of the top reasons we see the value of the positions of aristocrats and nobles across the sea. Sure, we dispensed with monarchy for various reasons, but in ours there are still the wealthy and elite that influence for better for others or worse, or solely for self. Thanks for being a great example of for-the-better.
I love how she raises her hand to interject.
And yes, we WOULD drive a couple of hours for a day trip. 😄
I live in kansas, and we drive a 90 tp 100 miles to shop and have the best surgeons, but it's worth it !!!!! And we also have fun and have great memories!!!! Love your videos just started watching love the history glad your sharing!!!we bought our land in 1983 mowed yards are whole family to pay for it monthly and then built on it. Tornado wiped us out EF5 destroyed whole town people died we lost everything our pets we had no money no place to stay but we survived. And built back in 2008 and we call our home IRIS ROSE HILL its our piece of heaven we made gardens we planted everything our selves been on same piece land fir over 30 years all of this will be inhearted down from genetation to generation. We are proud.!!! I love your passion and how you honor your beautiful home and the history of your family thats how i feel about mine!! Sounds amazing to tour it. Have a great fun sunshine day!!!!!
What about:
1. Hosting a classic car show
2. Pop up restaurant weekends.
3. A space at The Chelsea Flower Show.
4. Outdoor movie/picnic nights.
5. Outdoor music/picnic nights.
6. Outdoor food truck/stall festivals.
7. Landscape Painting weekends.
8. Falconing event.
A bike race / or 1/2 marathon around the estate. A Christmas home tour where the house is specialy decorated for families to tour.
What do you all do as a family when you have a couple of days to be together?
@@laurenbouchie2394trouble is marathons and runs dont actually generate much money.
Car show... and maybe a dog show or a horse show with classic historic horses (draft horses. traveler vanners , thoroughbreds, native ponies, cart horses..... What could be more delightful than trekking around Mapperton back roads for a a pony cart. picnic.
Yes!@@paulabibb1116
I think you should call it “Spilling the Tea”, have a cup of Tea and chat.
Include coffee since Americans and Europeans are coffee drinkers.😅
Love that title, "Spilling the Tea".
SPILLING THE TEA!! ❤❤❤❤ is the best
You should have a monthly costume themed venue. What fun!!! Charge so much for entry. Give away a prize for best costume. You could have some local musical entertainment for dancing. You would make lots of profit on food and drinks.
Americans LOVE their road trips!!!
3 and 4 hour drive there is nothing.
But we also have interstates which makes a huge difference.
England has “interstates”.
We also just love our cars and think NOTHING of driving for ages
@@Dexdog😳 ummmmm ok and yet you still call 1hr from London “not close”
@@Dexdog they are called motorways
Roadtrip!!!! And in the US the cost of gas/petrol is much lower than in England.
Would love to hear from your children on how they view living at Mapperton, your projects, and the possibility of inheriting and carrying on the work you have started.
Which child will inherit Mapperton?
@@lisaroberts5935I’ve been wondering about that too
@@lisaroberts5935 Nestor seems to be the most involved with the estate, but he is not the oldest.
@@bryanspindle4455 Probably because William is at school. We also don't know if it's about willingness to be filmed. William might be an introvert or might not want to be on his parent's channel.
AGREED. From Australia. How are the children involved please. Have you thought of "advertising" on a tourist site(s ) in my country.? We love England and like Americans will drive for a long time, plus our roads are not straight highways! Cheers.
#Mapperton if I was going to stay at your place, I would want you and Luke there.
I think others would prefer to have you there and not gone.
Vermont, USA I drive 2 hrs to get to my parents house on back country roads with farmers and tractors blocking the road. My son traveled 3 hrs to get to NASCAR races in highway and back roads.
So yes the people in the USA will travel long distances in a day for an event
Can confirm that 😂 Vermont here as well
I like how you two communicate! It's wonderful to see a couple discuss their ideas for the present and the future of their home. You engage in these talks calmly, with humor and bounce ideas off each other. It's wonderful to watch! 💕
Luke is so smart. He said in places like this you have to think 50 to 100 years ahead. Julie is brilliant because she is authentically listening to her husband and finds him fascinating. He is but she really does it so smoothly . Cheers and excited about these fireside chats
I love watching their friendship and how kind they are to each other. 🙂
Hello, Julie and Luke. What about a Murder Mystery Weekend (or midweek)? You know, like those murder mystery dinners, but longer? Think of all the fans of murder mystery books where old country houses feature prominently as setting. You’ve got the perfect setting right there. It could be done well, you wouldn’t want anything too tacky. OTOH, perhaps the entire concept is tacky! Glastonbury festival? Might be a bit of a nightmare though.
My thought as well and with the right team, it could be very cultured plus challenging and fun guessing 'who did it?, ' not to mention a source of viable income. 😊
What about also focusing on companies which often look for special seminar locations, where the participants can get away from the daily stress of the business environment. Perhaps, you can work around a similar package to the one used for your "5-night retreat" - it would be for a day or two, with tours, walks etc., and can be adjusted to their requirements. I personally feel that Mapperton would be a perfect location for "stressed-out" managers - (away from the maddening crowd!)
I think that is a fantastic idea.
Great idea!!
Team Building
Julie and Luke, you may need to study The Biltmore House in Asheville, NC. They have the estate with
tour, they have a wine tour, taste test, shop etc., they have hotel accommodations, land activities, then they built a regular style hotel on the premises for other vacationers, etc. It make spark some ideas
for the future. I think you should pursue working gardens with healthy eating fruit/veggies to help save humanity! Also, creating gorgeous flower / small tree, topiary gardens could create garden club tours, create a shop with lovely crocks, planters, floral bouquets. Artists could come create pictures/ paintings, artwork and sell the items. I would also partner with buses/ drivers to bring elderly out to
your area. People forget about helping seniors. The other thing is you need to make things more affordable for more people to be able to enjoy Mapperton and the surrounding towns.
Biltmore is different though, being in Asheville and other parts of WNC. We love Biltmore and do take day trips periodically but I don't know that it's exactly an equal comparison.
I’m a broken record recommending that Luke and Julie come and film at Biltmore. I’m sure they would leave with 100 brilliant ideas for Mapperton.
I agree Biltmore does it beautifully. We are four hours away and visit at least once a year. They do it well!
Biltmore also partnered with Range Rover for a driving experience.
Biltmore does a gingerbread house contest too that’s a huge money maker.
One thing I love is how Julie can so easily mix British and American slang in a conversation.
Also how energetic she is?
I love that too !
It’s a pity coach companies don’t do tours to Mapperton from Lancashire because I would certainly book a few days away just to visit you.
Both of you are
Mappertons best asset. 🎉
My friends had a large home that was a wedding venue and I would never do it. Wedding guests went past "Private" signs to go raid their personal kitchen and pantry (there was a commercial kitchen in the guest part of the house) taking food and ice cream out of the freezer, stealing vintage collectibles and knickknacks!!, driving away with cutlery, dishes and even children's toys from the lawn-- tricycles, etc.!! Guests drank and damaged things, didn't want to leave on schedule and the family got complaints from the nearby town about loud music and fireworks during the receptions.
Julie is correct, I would love to stay at a place with a cafe right on site.
Here’s an idea for another use for your property: If you could get your estate to be used as a film or television show location, you’d get a big draw in just fans wanting to see it. You’re welcome 😊
Luke, you crack me up - I live in the western part of Texas (Permian Basin) - 5 hours from any major city in the state and yes, I drive hours to go somewhere for a day trip.
12 hours, top to bottom of the state. Oceans (Gulf Coast), tropics (Houston), desert 🏜 (W Texas), mountains (Davis Mtns area). We have it all, lol.
roads in Canada and the US are quite different from the UK.....Bowls of extreme speed spaghetti compared to tiny windy one lane roads.....
It takes 2 days to get across Texas because you have to sleep sometime so I've gone as far as I could and stayed at the next motel along the way when I stop for dinner. You can get out of Texas on the second day.
The truth about Texas and much of the West is that distances are measured in hours on the road. Here in the Rio Grande Valley it is about four hours to San Antonio, which everybody thinks of as a day trip. This is a cultural norm. So sorry it isn't applicable in Britain, where neither the roads, the localized culture, nor the fuel costs actually support it. Nobody needs a multilane highway through Stonehenge, for example, whatever ambitious planners may feel. Britain may be just too small for the expansive Texan sense of going places. In Britain you have expanses of time. You can hardly spade up the back garden without turning up the archeology. What archeology have you got besides the fossil-rich Jurassic coast? A multiday local archeology tour might be worth doing. You'd need a consulting expert or two to lead the party. Jobs for archeologists and historians who would like to organize there. Best if you have a site you'd like to dig.
@@ibosquez5238 "Sun has riz and sun has set,, and here we is in Texas yet." Dire to head West in the afternoon/evening.
You have many great ideas. I agree tapping into the cruise industry. Contact them. It’s worth a try. A 1.5 hr from South Hampton is the same time to get to Rome or Florence from a cruise ship. The excursion can include lunch, tour, garden, the Alberta exhibition, gift shop, etc. Not everyone needs to go zip lining…right. You may have done or considered some of these but what about a Christmas Fair inviting craftspeople in yr area, summer concert with fireworks? Don’t stop the weddings, but the weddings parties can be blocked out for 4 days instead. Camping sites would be worth a try including yurts, cabins & tenting. I think u may have tenting already. You also mentioned that Alberta left a cookbook. You can publish her recipes or offer cooking class retreats using Alberta’s recipes. It would be a wonderful experience for all. You can block out the cottages and maybe a room or two in yr home for the cooking retreat. Also, offering afternoon tea in yr dining room or a smaller room a few times a week or even a ‘Sunset & Champagne’ outside once or twice a week during the early summer might be nice overlooking yr gardens. Even Prince Charles is opening up Balmoral Castle at $100-$150 a pop. Looking forward to seeing what u choose in the future.
If you build up the camp site, you can also rent that out for schools, scouts, other organizations looking to bring a group of kids for a week.
You should find businesses along the way on your route. Then get out day trip pamphlets. So Antique stores, various other destinations along the way and farmer's markets etc. Many places do that in America to create day trips.
Yes, get Luke's parents' stories, also his aunt. Their chats about the history of the family and their lives and homes and historic art are incredibly interesting. You could get them individually to have more interviews with each perspective.
Mapperton fireside chats!
Part of the probem is holiday makers,say in the 1950s, the majority would be camping rather than expecting to rent a whole building. People's expectations have changed,but we all could benefit from being within nature. Glamping pods are a good compromise.
Annual chamber music festival? World class performers, subscriptions? Hatfield House style.
Thank you Julie and Luke for sharing your vision for Mapperton. I am in awe of the creativity and energy you are investing in maintaining the estate. It is so very beautiful and deserves it. Wishing you every success in all your endeavors.
Thank you so much!
That makes me sad that there were Estates torn down, left to ruin. So sad, need to preserve and tell the stories.
So sad these properties were stolen from the abbies and nunneries.
I am American living in the UK and it is SHOCKING how many beautiful old houses are left to waste. I often tell Brits if they let Americans live here freely we would restore everything. 😊
@@xymoxkatits sadly the same in france so many chateaus falling apart that us Brits are buying to renovate and its not always easy to restore listed buildings sadly
A day trip in The South is at least 3 hours one way, do your thing then drive hme.
Let others do the weddings. You have so much more to offer. My father used to tell us not to build a big "white man camp fire" where you are hot on one side and cold on the other. Build an Indian fire, small, that warms the air all around you. AND I'd drive several hours to Mapperton.
Well said. If a coach /bus was arranged, North Americans would definitely come for a day.
I love your channel ! I just found it a few months ago. We are from the US 🇺🇸. We love learning about English history and about English estates . 💕.
Hi Luke and Julie
I had another thought. Again using coach bus for people more than an hour drive from Mapperton. Near my family home in Pennsylvania, we are at least an hour plus drive from Pittsburgh Pa. There is a Theater group putting on plays through the summer and early fall. A large barn was used for seating and stage and a restaurant near the playhouse offered food. They had two shows per day; day and early evening. The Playhouse has been in existence for over 100 years now and the little town it exists is extremely small. It’s all accomplished by tourism from Pittsburgh day tour industry. Another option since you have outer building and no one would come to the Manor inside unless you provided a separate tour. $$$
Fireside Chats! Love it!!! Don't forget the tea the next time Luke and Julie, LOL! 🫖☕☕🍪🍪 I would love to see your four children host a fireside chat and talk about what it is like to live at Mapperton House?
Too intrusive of their family - their kids are not there for your entertainment.
Yes. Don't invade privacy.
But if the children are interested in training in the family business, production and public speaking would be excellent life experiences.
@@sallyannc3176 Chill out!!! Some people!!! I have the utmost respect for everyone. It is not about their children for my entertainment!!! It is a question that can be answered yes or no. You can't ask questions now days? Wow!!!
@@lurlenejones456 Who is invading anyone's privacy? OMG!
Pllleeeease Luke. Julie is right. As a lifelong West Coast American, I’m planning a day trip to the ocean that’s a 2 hour drive each way. The drive is part of the fun of the trip. Tapping into cruise passengers is a great idea-they’re already on vacation and will consider any travel as part of the experience.
What port would these cruise passengers come from tho?! Luke is right - UK folk do not drive these distances for a day out.
Road trips! Woohoo!
The more facets in a jewel, the more magnificently it sparkles. 💛
Cruise ships! Port of Portland! Definitely!
@@lurlenejones456 not exactly near Mapperton! 😄
you finish each other's sentences, so sweet
You don’t want to VRBO your precious house, especially to people with children. My sister with a lake house in Georgia has it on Air b&b and a family destroyed a new washing machine, kid urinated on the front porch and somehow someone damaged the pool. Unless you have an onsite housekeeper/ butler, don’t let random people in your precious home.
I am so excited. We are coming to Mapperton tomorrow! Woo hoo. Can’t wait. Julie, if you are there, stand by for a Welsh cwtch (hug).
I'm in Texas, driving 2 hours to get to a vacation or day trip is pretty much the norm.
Takes an hour to go from the North end of Austin Tx to the south end on a good day!
@@maryfrump7937 I remember when driving from Austin to San Antonio was a nice trip. But NOW? Nope. Used to take less than hour. Now it takes more. And that was just driving from south Austin to North SA.
Same here in NM; 2+ hours to go anywhere.
4 hours from San Antonio to Dallas. I love Dallas.
Just keep trying different things, you will find the perfect combination of whatever is working. It is evolving.
Julie is correct, we love an adventure and will drive hours for a day trip.
Y’all need a Day Trip Special, maybe include the train ticket and have a Mapperton snack or tea box for the ride home. Yoga day trippers. Mom groups who kids love to ride the train… lunch, play all day, grab your tea box and back on the train.
What about putting your house in London on Airbnb if you spend most of your time at Mapperton? Fascinating video, learning about the issues behind the scenes. You're both doing a great job regardless of all these challenges!
Have you guys thought about corporate or team retreats? Many companies like to do these as a team building activity. Many also like to take their teams away from the big cities they are located to calmer locations. You can also be a bachelorette party destination if weddings can’t be done right now. You can set rules to make sure they are not crazy parties. Same thing with baby showers.
Reach out to television networks that use wedding venues for their shows or how about hosting antique road show? Reach out to the movie industry and let them know your available for movies or shows as they do with the show Bridgeton. My god they pay gobs of money enough to help cover your renovation costs and probably a lot of bills
Get some skunks to really get wild!
What a lovely couple.
Love being given so much insight into running Mapperton! Also always entertaining to watch you and Luke together! Luke’s parents are great to watch also with so much historical information!
Serve barbeque pork, beef, chicken & turkey slow cooked over hickory wood or fruit wood. Don't forget french fries, vinegar Cole Slaw, bread, Sweet Iced Tea & dessert.
People will drive 3 hours one way in the States for good BBQ.
Another thought!! Do you offer any evening classes with guest speakers say every month on topics relevant to Mapperton and history, gardens etc general restoration. How about ‘star gazing’ as with no light pollution I imagine the night skies are something else😊
Nice lampshade hat Luke😂
😂 good roast
😂😅
😂 yesss😂
Sorry,that was mean and a put down. Hope Luke forgives me. They are such a fab couple
Love all your ideas! A friendly suggestion is to provide a pony cart or safari jeep for people who are physically challenged, elderly, or like me when I broke my foot, who would enjoy seeing the estate areas but might find walking too difficult. 😊
Not ponies
Golf carts would be perfect or a couple of electric scooters
Glamping farmstays using yurt/tents/pods aimed at families. Limited self pitch. It’s what is on offer to keep people entertained. Once you have a good revenue stream from this use it to redevelop older buildings.
Since you are only an hour and half from Southampton, I believe there would be a lot of interest pre and/or post cruise for stays at Mapperton. We sailed out of Southampton last August & would have loved to have visited.
Turning Julie’s pool into an ice skating ring, plus Christmas lights, and Santa’s plus carol singers would definitely entice people..
I've been watching this podcast for the second day now. It is interesting but at the same time, it is so hard to watch. I really think that you are strongly overthinking it, guys. Honestly. Not to diminish the complexity of the whole thing in any way - but your thought really goes back and forth without an outlet. I really think it is important to choose an option and go for it, and see from there. Love your channel, wish you success.
I'm in New Zealand and have just booked a family holiday at a popular destination for next Summer. The Beach Camp ground has a policy of minimum of 5 nights for a studio, cabin or motel unit during peak season. Tent campers can book any amount of days on a first come first served basis.
I drive an hour and a half to two hours just to commute to work let alone a day trip to Napa Valley, or to Monterey or to Los Angeles
The cruise ship tour is a no brainer. Do that.
Julie and Luke, have you ever thought of creating a space for a museum that everyone can come to see? You han charge an entrance fee. You can also have workshops for sewing, knitting, embridery lacemaking, etc. I would suggest a textile museum. There are so many reenactors of all the centuries who would love to see clothing especially the 18th century dresses. You can also host events for 18th century (1700s), Victorian, Roman, 1920s, Viking, Mideval reenactors. This would attract a lot of people. Other ideas are antique, vintage, book, jewelery, craft fairs. On Holloween you can also host a big event, do an egg hunt for family and kids on easter, etc.
Yes i agree with you and they could do tour buses from different cities.
My father worked for a big museum that was a castle. There were a lot of paintings and other artefacts and sometimes something got stolen. He invented the signal orange dot with a diameter of 5 cm and it was painted on the wall behind every painting, especially the small ones. When something went missing the supposts could immediately see that and call the police. It really worked! Maybe a tip for Mapperton with all its treasures. I wouldn't open the house for weddings. I'd rather go for guests that want to rent a holidaycottage.
Add art week ends or 4 to 5 day classes. Can do hands on art classes and study the art work in the house. Have an art professor do the teaching. Etc.
When we want rewilding, it has never stopped on our 110 acre farm. We have deer, wild turkey, quail, rabbits, squirrels, beaver, and fish in our big creek.
The cruise ship concept is interesting. A shore excursion to grab a sandwich at the Earl's! ❤
I think so too!
What about the “Earl of Sandwich Tea Shoppe”. You could have an actual tea shop on your grounds in concert with the gardens. You could have a menu of tea sandwiches and cakes. Then sell the merch associated with the name on an endless number of products and wearable items. You could also have an online store which you could promote on your social media channels. Always think about your most obvious asset and in this case, it’s your title!
Biltmore Estates here in the US, is a fabulous example of diversification! Winery, fishing trips, concerts, licensing of furniture, etc, bedding, textiles, and even food items! those items are sold all over the US, taking the name to the public to pique their interest! Schools coming to visit like the Royal Embroidery group could hopefully bring in cash and marketing! ! I am grateful to have been a student at The Prince of Wales's Institute of Architecture which began at Biltmore! I adore watching your series and your thoughtful progression! You are doing GREAT!
If you can grow sunflowers and can plant a field of them, people will come just to have their pictures taken amongst them. That seems to be all the rage to have family portraits taken in sunflower fields. It would be good for wedding backdrops as well.
Julie and Luke: Look up the work Old Westbury Gardens is doing-they have something called ‘Nanny Night’ at Christmas time. Lots of families look forward to this event. It is so enjoyable but also a huge fundraiser. It takes place at the Phipps Estate in Westbury NY.
Thanks for the info!
2 to 3 hours in nothing in Oklahoma. Love the new chat!
🚩 SUGGESTION: Get people who are training in such things as Carpentry, Stone Masonry, Horticulture and so on, with their Tutors, Training Schools/College, Authority and so on, to train as part of their Course by doing the Work, Maintenance and so on, that you need done for free. Hold their Certificate Presentations at Maperton, with a Press attended Celebration. Also, grow your own kitchen supply and consider a Restraunt/Tea Rooms & use your Little Italian House & the Cottages and Glamping as Honeymoon Destinations. Another thing, because of the Re wilding, how about an Annual "Pet Show & Family Fun Day" You will need a Conference Room...concentrate on the Public & Weddings on weekends & Corporate Events & Tours during the week & most of all concentrate on ACCOMMODATION! ❤
Great suggestions!!!
Really enjoyed the fireside chat. Would love to see the Countess, so knowledgeable and humorous to boot.
Have a medieval festival one month out of the year, say in the fall after your regular season.
The ocean is about two hours from where I live and the Coast Mountain Range is part of the drive. There’s also a once daily roundtrip bus service that services my area and that coastal area. Folks will book a hotel and take the bus back later in the week, or, just go for a day. We drove and the roadtrip - being on the road - was part of the fun. Because it was winter and days were short we stayed long enough to eat lunch and explore the beach. Next time the bus as a change of pace, or perhaps going with a private group organized trip. I’m a senior.
People go to places that cater to their interests, hobbies and offer fun and enrichment for their kiddos. They return because they feel at home. The place is comfortable, warm, welcoming.
Mapperton has that beautiful garden and there are a lot of avid gardeners in your area. What of a plant exchange? Bring a start and trade. Have a plant sale along with gardening tools on offer. Offer tips and tricks to enhance green spaces.
Picnic in the park and listen to a string quartet, or jazz for example. Picnic hampers are available, or people can bring their own and buy from the cafe as needed.
A book fair with readings given by local authors along with the book sale.
A day or weekend where Mapperton employees dress in period costume highlighting a particular historical period. Guests are welcome to dress up as well. Option for a special tea service. Reserve ahead.
Is it easy to bike to Mapperton? There are athletic sorts who are always looking for places to bike and hike/walk. A small hostel on site could host them - some like roughing it - after walking the estate they eat at the cafe. Chips. Beer. Darts, pool, ping pong and a tv to catch a game.
During our long summer vacation parents are often looking for day camps for their children. Would you be open to having teachers on site to offer fun classes to kids during school breaks?
I won’t mention the fireworks and hot air balloon ideas😄
Just brainstorming. Good luck!
Atlanta, GA here, and it is NOTHING for most of everyone I know to drive for two or even three hours each way for a day trip. I myself have done it multiple times. We Americans sure do love our Automobiles!
Hopefully one day my husband and I will be able to visit you all at Mapperton! Thank you for the excellent, informative and entertaining shows you produce. Best wishes from the States!
I live in Australia, Sydney. We drive 12 hours for our children to attend a competition that goes over 3 days. Then pack up the last morning of the competition and drive the 12 hours home. I live 2 days drive from my from my family/childhood home. I drive 10 hours south to see my sister in Melbourne. To visit my Aunt in Wollongong I drive 1 1/2 hours, eat lunch, visit the beach and then drive home for dinner at night. Yes it’s a big day, but not impossible. For big day trips, we break up the day and make the drive a part of the holiday.
Focus on attracting more Americans like Grand Historic Tours. Do more featuring American Heiress history like an American Heiress weekend theme party. We Americans are willing to travel longer and Julie is a fabulous promoter . Maybe make connections with American Historic Homes and Museums.
I think with Julie doing the old houses program should be giving you both a lot of ideas & insights into what other families are doing as to how you can diversify Mapperton. The firesite chats are going to be a good way for all of us to know what you are planning as well as doing & so keep us in the loop & excited to help you as much as we can. I am thinking that advertising is a great way to go, maybe making a video that you can release onto youtube & other sites just promoting Mapperton with all the adventures it provides & encouraging people to book in & spend a week exploring it all.
We sometimes drive 3 hours or even longer on a day trip.
Our public library here in Kentucky has annual “How to Festivals.” it’s a free event, and people can sign up to present a workshop on anything from gardening, to conservation, to quilting and anything community members are approved to teach. It’s always a popular event for all ages.
Looks like many of us are in North America, which makes it difficult to visit. I’d love to see you expand your TH-cam and AI ventures.
I love this couple. The banter is educational and humorous at the same time! I wish them great success.
Luke & Julie - I love this format plus it's productive for you guys! I have an idea to elaborate on the bus tours:
Call it The Art of Antiques - bring in an antiques/historical expert to "hold" the tour, and explain the antiques throughout the house, their history, the different types of antiques, how to spot real ones versus fakes, etc. People LOVE to learn about antiques!!! There's that added expense of the expert, but it may be a trade-off for not having a meal to serve, and increasing the busloads!! (p.s. to Julie - no need to fight your natural development of the accent lol, I hear it sneaking into your vowels!)
People need to respect your home. I could never temporarily let random strangers stay in my house. You need a massive group to brainstorm with you, the group need to understand your family needs too. ❤
I’m from Australia :Really loving the discussion Thankyou both very much
What a lovely new format❣️Thank you so much for giving us a" behind the scenes" including your thought processes!💐💐
YES! Accomodations at all levels! Thank you! Affordable.
A Renaissance Fair, and you could change up eras, Murder Mystery Events.
I would love to see the villages or towns around Mapperton ... maybe by highlighting those, it would bring more people to the area, not just Mapperton.
I am enjoying this conversation. I drive over 2 hours to go to the Mennonite grocery store. My Trader Joe’s is over an hour away. It’s nothing in the US to drive a couple of hours. I love the events in the communities around us. We have wine walks. You buy a wine glass for $25 and walk around and taste wines. If you like the wine, you can buy a bottle. We have art fairs, bicycle races, marathons, a Father’s Day bike ride with the kids, a jazz festival, blues festival, antique fairs. There is something to do every weekend from the beginning of May through the end of October.
I love watching you Julie interact with Luke so casually. Both of you make me laugh especially when he makes witty comments specially when you both are trying out your recipes. His typical English wit amuses me and when you both talk over each other just tells me how comfortable you are in each others company.
Julie you are such a treat. When i watched you both making your toasted sandwiches on the agar, I truly had a giggle the way you both " competed" to make the best toasty.
By the way the hundreds and thousands Luke was referring to when you made the Charles Ii brown cake are
what you as an American girl would call those coloured sprinkles you put on your cakes.
The terminology really does differ since my daughter also did American English at school here in South Africa which i still think today laid a much better foundation than Oxford English.
She is an English teacher today all because of the right foundation laid from the start and loves the language greatly.
I think you should think about starting an historical cooking school. Have a culinary instructor teach Elizabethan cooking and from other eras. "A Taste of History." BTW,: Here in the States, driving 2 hours to a destination is considered close. Sorry, Luke.
Other ideas: Writers ' retreats, historical lectures, historical reenactment fairs, chamber music concerts, sing-along carol concerts, cooking/winetasting classes, nature photography lessons combined with hiking or cycling, installation of huts for birdwatching (if you have a good variety of birds), open air theatre productions in the summer. I don't know if you already do some of these, I just found your channel 🙂
Horse tours of the land and rewilding areas.
When i come to the UK im definitely coming to visit you, i dont care if you're in the middle of nowhere. Massive fan here.
We visited earlier this summer and Mapperton was the highlight of my holiday!
2 hours is for sure a day trip with the family. Growing up in Oregon if we weren’t up for a two hour drive we would never have seen anything but trees!
I think your location would be great for birding groups. Generally speaking a very respectful group, low maintenance. Smaller groups that usually happily pay to be in a beautiful countryside setting to enjoy birdwatching. Cheers
I grew up in California, USA and live in Arizona now and think nothing of driving 2 or more hours to go somewhere fantastic.I love all the locations you've already created. I also love all your great ideas and plans. The cruise ship excursions are a great idea. You have so many plates spinning. Very impressive.
Since Mapperton is “off the beaten path” for British culture day trips, you’ll have more success with destination events that support a 3-4 day stay. (I love the “Frock Me” idea). Your Christmas show is an excellent start, expanding the number of days offered & accommodations would increase attendance & revenue. Perhaps working with an artist to do a creative retreat/workshop or a writing retreat. While they are there, you make money from their lodging, food, & any Mapperton merchandise you sell at the cafe or gift shop. I can understand that Mapperton’s size does not allow you to continue living in the house while guests are there, so you’ll need to focus on growing the outdoor glamping or tiny houses over time. You are probably familiar with Elmore Court in Gloucestershire, who has a rewilding project and now offers 6 “treehouse” cabins to cater to those who are wanting to “get back to nature”. I know you are wanting to restore the outbuildings…. if you are allowed, that would make fantastic guest lodgings/rooms & generate revenue without upsetting the village composition. I really liked the informality of today’s format & the brainstorming you were doing together. Explaining the challenges in detail helps viewers better understand the money demands. I love it that you are so open to ideas. Good work, the both of you!
Hello Julie and Luke ! I enjoyed this new format and found the topics very interesting. I would say it is certainly not a good idea to give up your beautiful home to be taken over by weddings. Sometimes far too much alcohol is consumed and damage is a real possibility. So far you have done a wonderful job running the estate and business. I agree the development of holiday rentals is excellent. The cottages so far are absolutely lovely. I believe that would be the route to extend if possible. You are both so multi talented and manage your business so well. I think reaching out as you do is not only hard work but extremely interesting. Your energy levels are staggering… England and Italy. I shall consider further. These new broadcasts are very interesting and show further how difficult it is to manage an estate such as Mapperton. All best, Michael.
Here is what I think: give the wedding parties a tent or the cafe area and keep them out of the grand house. You might think about opening the stables up to groups of people riding horses that want to go on a trail around the estate and stop off at the cafe. I think you should offer an experience for small group parties to dress in costumes (that are period costumes at a profitable price) and experience what it was like to live in a set time in the past. Just a suggestion if they don't work don't hold it against me. Your doing a great job. I love watching this process. We love you both and wish you the best.
A 3 hour drive, each way, for a day trip was nothing to our large family growing up. Mom and Dad would pile all of us into the old Stationwagon from a small town just South of Chicago to South Haven, Michigan. Coolers packed with a meal and drinks for the day spent at the Beach. Technically a 6 hour drive total for the day. Piece of cake!!
There are light-weight forms one can use to build dome-like structures, sort of Hobbit houses that can be out of sight. Relatively easy housing for writing retreats, meditative week/ends, Victorian living over a week/end are just a few ideas.
You need a hotel on site!